Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Julie Solberg

Second Advisor

Daryl Sieg

Keywords

Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, EPT, STI, Azithromycin, Cefixime, Gemifloxacin, Expedited Partner Therapy, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Ceftriaxone, Partner Notification, Partner Treatment

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as Neisseria Gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia Trachomatis pose a challenge to the healthcare system worldwide. Treating sexual partners is as crucial to controlling the spread of these infections as treating index patients. However, because of problems associated with stigma, reaching affected populations, and ensuring follow-up, unique solutions are require to ensure partners receive treatment. One solution is Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT). EPT refers to treating patients, and providing necessary medication for both patient and partner. Current recommendations are for oral doses one gram of azithromycin and 400 milligrams of cefixime. This literature review looked at thirteen studies, and aimed to determine whether EPT is still superior to standard partner notification at reducing further infection, and reinfection in adult Gonorrhea and Chlamydia (GC) patients in the US. Research indicates that EPT remains a viable, cost-effective measure at controlling the spread of GC infections. EPT appears to be the best available option despite use of second-line treatments in resistance-prone infections. Additionally, there is a need for future, large-scale, US-based randomized controlled trials to unequivocally show the continued effectiveness of EPT.

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